You are using an out-of-date version of the Internet Explorer web browser. For a better experience on our website, please use a different web browser or update your Internet Explorer to version 8 or higher. Click here for more information.

Itinerary for Nov 23 — Dec 3, 2014

Description: Just 20 minutes from Mariscal Sucre International Airport, the Hilton Colon Quito hotel is 10 minutes' walk from the colonial Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax in our Fitness Center & Spa, complete with outdoor heated pool. Choose from 5 dining experiences, including gourmet Mediterranean at Portofino and Japanese at Kioto.... more Just 20 minutes from Mariscal Sucre International Airport, the Hilton Colon Quito hotel is 10 minutes' walk from the colonial Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax in our Fitness Center & Spa, complete with outdoor heated pool. Choose from 5 dining experiences, including gourmet Mediterranean at Portofino and Japanese at Kioto. All Hilton Colon Quito hotel rooms have wireless internet access. Choose a Suite for mountain views or an Executive Room for Executive Lounge access. In the business district, 5 miles from the airport, the hotel has 15 meeting rooms for up to 700, an Executive Lounge and wireless internet access throughout. The Hilton Colon Quito hotel enjoys spectacular views of the city. Enjoy the fitness center and spa treatments then relax with a massage. Have a flutter at our late-night casino.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Please call for pricing.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day One: Sunday, November 23 - Arrive to Quito.

Note: To minimize your chances of experiencing altitude sickness while in Quito, try to get plenty of rest before you travel, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and fatty foods, consume high carbohydrate foods, and avoid strenuous exercise at high elevations.

The new Mariscal Sucre International Airport is located approximately one hour from downtown Quito.

Arrive To: Arrive at Quito's international airport.

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. The Road Scholar representative will be waiting outside the exit door with a Road Scholar sign (only applies to Road Scholar group flights).

Transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day.

Description: Just 20 minutes from Mariscal Sucre International Airport, the Hilton Colon Quito hotel is 10 minutes' walk from the colonial Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax in our Fitness Center & Spa, complete with outdoor heated pool. Choose from 5 dining experiences, including gourmet Mediterranean at Portofino and Japanese at Kioto.... more Just 20 minutes from Mariscal Sucre International Airport, the Hilton Colon Quito hotel is 10 minutes' walk from the colonial Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax in our Fitness Center & Spa, complete with outdoor heated pool. Choose from 5 dining experiences, including gourmet Mediterranean at Portofino and Japanese at Kioto. All Hilton Colon Quito hotel rooms have wireless internet access. Choose a Suite for mountain views or an Executive Room for Executive Lounge access. In the business district, 5 miles from the airport, the hotel has 15 meeting rooms for up to 700, an Executive Lounge and wireless internet access throughout. The Hilton Colon Quito hotel enjoys spectacular views of the city. Enjoy the fitness center and spa treatments then relax with a massage. Have a flutter at our late-night casino.

Quito –
Colonial Quito, the First UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Equator

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Orientation to the program.

Meet your Quito group leader and fellow Road Scholar participants during a welcome and introduction session at the hotel. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Explore Quito’s colonial center; the best preserved colonial and historic center in Latin America, starting with a panoramic view of the city at El Panecillo hill. Before the Spanish arrived, the hill known as El Panecillo (small bread roll) was used by the Inca for sun worshiping. In the early 1800s, the Spanish military took advantage of El Panecillo's strategic location and elevation (9,843 ft), and built a fortress to protect and monitor the city. In present times, the hill is the site of a city monument and lookout point where visitors can get 360° views of Quito. On clear days, it is even possible to spot Cotopaxi's snowy peak in the distance.

Afterwards continue to the colonial center. While walking through the narrow streets, you will learn about Quito’s rich history going from pre-Hispanic times, through the Colonial period, to the Republican era. Admire the wonderful architecture of its colonial buildings and the uniqueness of religious art pieces from the famous Quitenian School of art that combines the European Renaissance and Baroque styles with the indigenous and mestizo influences.

Lunch: At a local restaurant including an introduction to Ecuadorian food products.

Afternoon: After lunch, continue to the famous Middle of the World and celebrate the ability to be in both hemispheres at the same time - a once in a lifetime experience. Learn important facts, myths and legends about the Geography of Earth while visiting the Equator as well as the history of the first group of scientists who had the hard mission to determined Earth’s shape in 1743. Visit the Ethnographic museum where you will get a general vision about Ecuador’s demography, geography and economy.

Return to the hotel.

Lecture: The Past, Present, and Future of Ecuador.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Time at leisure. Get a good night's rest in preparation for a full day tomorrow.

Room amenities: All cabins are air conditioned and have private bathrooms. Biodegradable shampoo and soap is provided in each cabin.

Facility amenities: Outdoor seating areas, dining room, and library with audiovisual equipment for onboard presentations.
Snorkeling equipment (e.g., mask, snorkel, and fins) is provided as part of the cruise. Wetsuits can be rented for the duration of the cruise and payment is due in full (cash) upon boarding the yacht. Prices range from $35-$70 depending on the length of your cruise. The yacht has a limited selection of suits and these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you require a petite or XL size in order to verify if the yacht carries your size.
The yacht only accepts cash for additional expenses (e.g., alcoholic beverages, wetsuits, etc.) during the cruise.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Three: Tuesday, November 25 - Galapagos -
Flight to San Cristobal Island/B...

Morning: Transfer to the airport.
Flight to San Cristobal, Galápagos
(44 lb weight limit for checked luggage, please pack accordingly). Participants will have the option to store excess luggage in Quito for the duration of the cruise. The extra luggage will be collected from participants on the day the group flies to the Galapagos Islands. After taking participants to the airport, the Road Scholar driver will drop off the extra luggage at the last program hotel so that it can be safely stored until the group returns from the islands.

**Note: The Galápagos airline tickets are issued in Ecuador and held by the group leader for safekeeping. The airline tickets will be distributed to participants on-site.**

Lunch: Light lunch served on the flight.

Afternoon: Upon arrival to the Galápagos Islands, proceed through Immigration. Have your passport ready at the immigration counter before proceeding to baggage claim.
You will be met by your Galápagos guide and transferred to the yacht.

Board and set sail. Enjoy an orientation, safety drill and a light snack.

Our first activity in the Galapagos will be a visit to Puerto Chino or Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center on San Cristobal Island.

Puerto Chino is located approximately 15 miles from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. A trail leads from the coast, across an attractive white sand beach, and further inland. The full trail usually takes approximately 5 hours to complete. In addition to being a good location from which to observe marine birds, this visitor's site is one of the few places where one can spot the Calandrinia galapagosa and the Lecocarpus leptolobus--two endangered flowering plants native to the islands.

The Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center was inaugurated in 2004 and is located in the northeastern section of the island. The center was established to help protect and restore the endemic tortoise populations. Tortoises are bred in captivity and then later returned to their natural habitats once they reach a certain level of maturity. Here, visitors have the opportunity to view tortoises at various stages of development before they are released back into the wild.

Opportunity for swimming and snorkeling.

Return to the yacht.

*Please note: Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are always subject to change by the Galapagos National Park. Itineraries are not guaranteed.

Room amenities: All cabins are air conditioned and have private bathrooms. Biodegradable shampoo and soap is provided in each cabin.

Facility amenities: Outdoor seating areas, dining room, and library with audiovisual equipment for onboard presentations.
Snorkeling equipment (e.g., mask, snorkel, and fins) is provided as part of the cruise. Wetsuits can be rented for the duration of the cruise and payment is due in full (cash) upon boarding the yacht. Prices range from $35-$70 depending on the length of your cruise. The yacht has a limited selection of suits and these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you require a petite or XL size in order to verify if the yacht carries your size.
The yacht only accepts cash for additional expenses (e.g., alcoholic beverages, wetsuits, etc.) during the cruise.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Santa Fe is located southeast of Santa Cruz and has some of the tallest stands of opuntia cacti in the Galapagos. Some have been reported to grow as high as 33 feet! A trail into the highlands of Santa Fe Island leads visitors to the only place in the archipelago where the illusive Santa Fe land iguana can be found.

Return to the yacht.

Lunch: On board the yacht.

Afternoon: Dry landing at South Plaza Island.

South Plaza is the larger of two islands located off the east coast of Santa Cruz. A dry landing on a jetty will lead us to a cactus forest where we will take a close look at land iguanas and their habitat before contiuing our hike in search of local sea lion colonies. Sea lions usually give birth from August - November and females begin mating within weeks of having their young.

This small island is known as a great place to watch seabirds in flight. A walk along the cliff top provides perfect views of Red-billed Tropicbirds, frigatebirds, pelicans, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and other pelagic species.

Room amenities: All cabins are air conditioned and have private bathrooms. Biodegradable shampoo and soap is provided in each cabin.

Facility amenities: Outdoor seating areas, dining room, and library with audiovisual equipment for onboard presentations.
Snorkeling equipment (e.g., mask, snorkel, and fins) is provided as part of the cruise. Wetsuits can be rented for the duration of the cruise and payment is due in full (cash) upon boarding the yacht. Prices range from $35-$70 depending on the length of your cruise. The yacht has a limited selection of suits and these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you require a petite or XL size in order to verify if the yacht carries your size.
The yacht only accepts cash for additional expenses (e.g., alcoholic beverages, wetsuits, etc.) during the cruise.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Morning: Dry Landing on Santa Cruz Island for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station followed by a brief field trip to Los Gemelos ("The Twins") craters in the highlands of Santa Cruz.

Disembark early for a visit to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS), a biological research station operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. The objective of the CDRS is to conduct scientific research and environmental education for conservation. The Station has a team of over a hundred scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world. At the CDRS you will be able to observe giant tortoises at all stages of growth, from a few days to close to one hundred years old!

Return to the yacht.

Lunch: On board the yacht.

Afternoon: After lunch, enjoy a field trip into the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to view Los Gemelos ("The Twins") craters.

The twin craters found in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island are actually large sinkholes--not volcanic formations. They were created as a result of the collapse, or the sinking, of surface materials into cracks. The surrounding Scalesia forest is a great place to view vegetation that is unique to this island and search for land birds. Wild giant tortoises begin nesting from June to August. Their eggs begin to hatch with the arrival of the warmer season (December-April).

Room amenities: All cabins are air conditioned and have private bathrooms. Biodegradable shampoo and soap is provided in each cabin.

Facility amenities: Outdoor seating areas, dining room, and library with audiovisual equipment for onboard presentations.
Snorkeling equipment (e.g., mask, snorkel, and fins) is provided as part of the cruise. Wetsuits can be rented for the duration of the cruise and payment is due in full (cash) upon boarding the yacht. Prices range from $35-$70 depending on the length of your cruise. The yacht has a limited selection of suits and these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you require a petite or XL size in order to verify if the yacht carries your size.
The yacht only accepts cash for additional expenses (e.g., alcoholic beverages, wetsuits, etc.) during the cruise.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Note: Sierra Negra: The hike to the volcano lookout point can be very challenging due to the trail's incline and oftentimes muddy conditions. Misty and/or rainy weather is the norm at this site, so dress accordingly.

Breakfast: On board the yacht.

Morning: Dry landing on Isabela Island.

In the morning, explore the wetlands, a complex of trails that consist of numerous sites that form spectacular scenery. The trails travel through lava rock paths, tombs, a mangrove forest, volcanoes, and beaches and also offer great opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.

From the wetlands' trails, continue your visit with a stop at the infamous Muro de las Lagrimas ("Wall of Tears"). This wall was erected by convicts back in the days when the island housed a penal colony. Numerous prisioners died in the course of building the stone wall, leading many locals to give it the now famous name. According to local lore, it is possible to hear the convicts' cries emanating from the area from time to time.

Later in the morning, visit the Tortoise Breeding Center.

The Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela contains 330 juvenile and adult tortoises that populate south Isabela. It houses many breeds in danger of extinction. The center also has beautiful gardens consisting of native plants.

During your land explorations, also be on the look-out for resident land iguanas. January marks the start of their breeding season. By April the eggs beging to hatch and visitors have the opportunity to view mature iguanas and their hatchlings.

The Sierra Negra volcano is believed to be the oldest volcano on Isabela. According to some geologists, the wider and shallower a caldera, the more ancient. This conclusion is based on research that indicates that the ongoing volcanic processes in calderas tend to file and break down their edges over thousands and millions of years.

Room amenities: All cabins are air conditioned and have private bathrooms. Biodegradable shampoo and soap is provided in each cabin.

Facility amenities: Outdoor seating areas, dining room, and library with audiovisual equipment for onboard presentations.
Snorkeling equipment (e.g., mask, snorkel, and fins) is provided as part of the cruise. Wetsuits can be rented for the duration of the cruise and payment is due in full (cash) upon boarding the yacht. Prices range from $35-$70 depending on the length of your cruise. The yacht has a limited selection of suits and these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you require a petite or XL size in order to verify if the yacht carries your size.
The yacht only accepts cash for additional expenses (e.g., alcoholic beverages, wetsuits, etc.) during the cruise.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Note: Punta Moreno: Moderate to difficult hike on sharp, accordion-like Pahoehoe lava. Wear comfortable tennis shoes with good ankle support. Please take steps to remain hydrated during this hike as the black lava absorbs and radiates the heat from the sun.
Urbina Bay: Strong waves can make disembarkation tricky at this site. Use a zip-lock bag to protect cameras and binoculars from splashes during the wet landing. Please take steps to remain hydrated during this approximately 2-mile hike.

Breakfast: On board the yacht.

Morning: Dry landing at Moreno Bay on Isabela Island. A hike to tide pools and a dinghy ride along the island's rocky shores will highlight some of the island's diverse marine and bird life.

Optional swimming and snorkeling activities.

Return to the yacht.

Lunch: On board the yacht.

Afternoon: Wet landing at Urbina Bay on Isabela Island and walking field trip.

Urbina Bay is situated approximately two fifths of the way along Isabela's western coast. The flattened area of the bay exhibits signs of a coral reef on land; proof that the flat land we see today in that area was once uplifted from the sea. Cormorants, pelicans, marine iguanas, and Flightless Cormorants frequent this site in addition to marine turtles and rays which are sometimes seen swimming in the bay.

In February, the Galápagos Penguins that live most of the year on Bartolomé migrate to the cooler waters around Isabela and Fernandina. In July, whales and dolphin can often be spotted off Isabela's western coast.

Room amenities: All cabins are air conditioned and have private bathrooms. Biodegradable shampoo and soap is provided in each cabin.

Facility amenities: Outdoor seating areas, dining room, and library with audiovisual equipment for onboard presentations.
Snorkeling equipment (e.g., mask, snorkel, and fins) is provided as part of the cruise. Wetsuits can be rented for the duration of the cruise and payment is due in full (cash) upon boarding the yacht. Prices range from $35-$70 depending on the length of your cruise. The yacht has a limited selection of suits and these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you require a petite or XL size in order to verify if the yacht carries your size.
The yacht only accepts cash for additional expenses (e.g., alcoholic beverages, wetsuits, etc.) during the cruise.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Field trip to Punta Espinoza to see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with Sally lightfoot crabs, Galapagos Penguins (starting in February), Galapagos Hawks, sea lions and Flightless Cormorants. In January and February look for brightly colored marine iguanas as they go through courtship rituals. Nesting begins in March. Travelers visiting the island around July might catch a glimpse of Flightless Cormorants exhibiting courtship and nesting behaviour.

During land explorations among the flora and volcanic formations, look for brachycereus cactus, pa-hoe-hoe lava and AA lava formations.

Room amenities: All cabins are air conditioned and have private bathrooms. Biodegradable shampoo and soap is provided in each cabin.

Facility amenities: Outdoor seating areas, dining room, and library with audiovisual equipment for onboard presentations.
Snorkeling equipment (e.g., mask, snorkel, and fins) is provided as part of the cruise. Wetsuits can be rented for the duration of the cruise and payment is due in full (cash) upon boarding the yacht. Prices range from $35-$70 depending on the length of your cruise. The yacht has a limited selection of suits and these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you require a petite or XL size in order to verify if the yacht carries your size.
The yacht only accepts cash for additional expenses (e.g., alcoholic beverages, wetsuits, etc.) during the cruise.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Playa Espumilla is located on the northwestern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. During the last presence of the El Nino phenomenon, one of the two lagoons at this site underwent a process of sedimentation, which led to the disappearance of a resident colony of flamingos. The main attractions here are a palo santo forest, beach and the landscape. In January, under cover of night, green sea turtles cautiously make their way ashore to nest. The eggs begin to hatch aorund April and May and infant turtles begin their perilous journey from nest to sea.

Optional swimming and snorkeling activities.

Return to the yacht.

Lunch: On board the yacht.

Afternoon: Dry or wet landing on Bartolome Island for a hiking field trip up a dormant volcano.

Bartolome Island is home to Pinnacle Rock, the "Guardian of the Isles" which rises sharply from the coast. The lunar-like landscape is home to one of the islands' most endearing residents: the Galapagos Penguin. During part of the year, they leave the island in search of cooler waters found around Fernandina and Isabela. Once the penguins return to Bartolome in August, they waste no time in getting ready for romance. By September they can be observed going through courtship rituals.

On Bartolome Island we will be able to view volcanic formations such as lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. Hike to the summit (375 wooden steps) to enjoy a great view of the surrounding islands, including Pinnacle Rock's eroded tuff cone. On the way to the summit, watch for colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla and various cacti.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights after: Subject to availabilityAdditional hotel nights are subject to availability. Please contact the program coordinator, Holbrook Travel, at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for information on availability and prices.

Day Ten: Tuesday, December 02 - Galapagos and Quito-
Daphne Island and Baltr...

Galapagos and Quito-
Daphne Island and Baltra Island/Flight to Quito.

Breakfast: On board the yacht.

Morning: Wet or dry landing (dependent on the tide) on Daphne Island, located off the coast of Santa Cruz.

The Daphne Islands can be found north of Santa Cruz Island and west of Seymour and Baltra. The larger of the two, Daphne Major, has retained its distinctive volcanic shape (tuff cone). It has a visitor landing site and a steep trail that leads to the top of the cone where Blue-footed Boobies and Masked Boobies like to nest. Red-billed Tropicbirds can be seen nesting in the rocky island walls.

Return to the yacht for a farewell snack.

Sail to Baltra Island and transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Quito.

Lunch: Light snack served on the flight.

Afternoon: Late afternoon arrival in Quito.
Transfer to the hotel.

Time at leisure to finish packing or relax before joining the rest of the group for dinner.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Enjoy your last evening in Ecuador at your leisure, among your new Road Scholar friends.

Day Eleven: Wednesday, December 03 - Depart from Quito.
Arrive to the U.S.

Depart From: Transfer to the international airport for flight to the U.S.

Note: Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day.

Breakfast: Early morning breakfast at the hotel restaurant (dependent on flight times).

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!